Mission Statement:
Theatre Neo is a dedicated core of professional actors, writers and directors who passionately reveal the beauty and powerful impact of live theatre in the Los Angeles community. A non-profit organization established in 1997, Neo produces stimulating new works along with classic American theatre. Through our staged productions, as well as community collaborations, Neo fulfills its membership’s artistic goals and dreams, while audiences are entertained and given the opportunity to experience a wide range of life emotions.
About me: Theatre Neo was established as a non-profit membership-based theatre company in the fall of 1997 by many of the members of Geo Hartley’s Theatre Geo when that company closed its doors. A select group of actors, writers, and directors, Neo was designed to help members develop their craft and advance their careers.
The company began its programs with the monthly Monologue Festivals - expertly-produced presentations that allowed members the chance to present their work to casting directors and other industry professionals. Neo then tapped the abundant resource of its membership to produce full-length plays and original productions which have since become the company’s trademark.
Theatre Neo’s diverse membership is divided into five classes: actors, writers, directors, producers, and technical artists. The membership at large is responsible for all productions and programs put forth by the company.
In its short history Theatre Neo has grown to a company of over 150 loyal professionals, produced over 25 mainstage productions (many of which were world premieres or West Coast debuts), produced 11 original plays authored by its writing membership and performed by its actors. Neo’s community outreach programs have included career days with the students of Washington Irving Middle School and producing benefit events for such organizations as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and The Women’s Club of Hollywood.
Theatre Neo’s productions have won numerous awards, including most recently the 2007 LA Weekly Award for Best Revival Production for Why Marry? The company previously amassed four other LA Weekly Award nominations. Neo has also received four Back Stage West Polly Warfield Awards, including the 10th Annual Ticket Holder Award for Best Ensemble Cast for its world premiere production of Theresa Rebeck’s A View of the Dome.
With a continued focus on promoting life-changing theatre and massaging the dreams of the company membership at large, Theatre Neo continues its journey of discovery well into the new millennium.
